Background

Over the past few decades, the scientific community has recognized the impact of physical activity on health and performance. In parallel, researchers have been actively exploring novel methodologies to analyze the physiological and metabolic responses to exercise. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool in this effort, offering the potential to provide unique insights into exercise-related changes at the molecular level.

Objective

The primary goal of this systematic review is to confirm the viability of utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the analysis of the biochemical changes associated with physical exercise and its potential applications.

Methods

This systematic review adhered to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and examined studies employing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to analyze exercise and physical activity, focusing on a biological sample collection and spectral analysis. Four databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched, and inclusion criteria encompassed original English-language studies involving human participants aged 18–50 years, a biological sample collection (urine, saliva, and blood), and the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The studies were analyzed considering the type of exercise or sport that was investigated, and also the type of spectral analysis conducted.

Results

The review encompassed 15 studies that demonstrated the versatility of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in assessing various aspects of exercise, including metabolism, cardiovascular responses, and muscular fatigue. The largest study evaluated 57 athletes from several different sports. On average, almost all the studies were performed with around 20 athletes. Notably, the technique’s holistic approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of the complex network of metabolites and proteins within the human body. Data analysis methodologies, particularly when coupled with machine learning, show great potential for advancing the field of sports science.

Conclusions

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy emerges as a promising tool for monitoring and enhancing the performance of high-level athletes, preventing overtraining or even over-reaching, and assessing metabolism. Its accuracy, efficiency, and affordability also make it a candidate for broader applications in assessing the health and fitness of the general population. Future research should explore its applicability across diverse exercise modalities and demographic groups, aiming to prescribe exercise plans that consider a multitude of parameters for larger, more intricate exercise cohorts.

Clinical Trial Registration

The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the ID number CRD42023441965.

Graphical Abstract

中文翻译：

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傅里叶变换红外 （FTIR） 光谱作为表征运动和身体活动的工具：系统评价

 背景

在过去的几十年里，科学界已经认识到体育活动对健康和表现的影响。与此同时，研究人员一直在积极探索新的方法来分析对运动的生理和代谢反应。傅里叶变换红外光谱已成为这项工作中的强大工具，有可能在分子水平上为与运动相关的变化提供独特的见解。

 目的

本系统综述的主要目标是确认利用傅里叶变换红外光谱分析与体育锻炼相关的生化变化及其潜在应用的可行性。

 方法

本系统综述遵循 PRISMA（系统评价和荟萃分析的首选报告项目）指南，并检查了采用傅里叶变换红外光谱分析运动和身体活动的研究，重点是生物样本采集和光谱分析。检索了四个数据库 （PubMed、SPORTDiscus、Web of Science 和 Scopus），纳入标准包括涉及 18-50 岁人类参与者的原始英语研究、生物样本采集（尿液、唾液和血液）以及傅里叶变换红外光谱的使用。根据所调查的运动或运动的类型以及进行的频谱分析类型对研究进行了分析。

 结果

该综述包括 15 项研究，这些研究证明了傅里叶变换红外光谱在评估运动的各个方面（包括新陈代谢、心血管反应和肌肉疲劳）方面的多功能性。最大的研究评估了来自几个不同运动项目的 57 名运动员。平均而言，几乎所有的研究都是由大约 20 名运动员进行的。值得注意的是，该技术的整体方法允许对人体内代谢物和蛋白质的复杂网络进行全面分析。数据分析方法，尤其是与机器学习相结合时，显示出推动运动科学领域发展的巨大潜力。

 结论

傅里叶变换红外光谱成为一种很有前途的工具，用于监测和提高高水平运动员的表现，防止过度训练甚至过度伸展，以及评估新陈代谢。它的准确性、效率和可负担性也使其成为评估普通人群健康和健康状况的更广泛应用的候选者。未来的研究应探索其在不同运动方式和人口群体中的适用性，旨在制定考虑更大、更复杂的运动队列的多种参数的锻炼计划。

临床试验注册

该研究方案在国际系统评价前瞻性注册库 （PROSPERO） 中注册，ID 号为 CRD42023441965。

 图形摘要